Few systems currently have the operational capability to perform a controlled and safe re-entry from Low Earth Orbit (LEO), precisely targeting a certain landing (or splashdown) site, and all of these are heavy reusable capsules or space planes that rely on “classic” technological solutions as rigid heatshields.

In the EARS project, we aim to identify a complete and coherent Guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) solution for the safe recovery of a reusable satellite, addressing the peculiarities of an inflatable/deployable heatshield and aiming for a robust, affordable, and reliable end-2-end solution.